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Thames Valley Police, who investigated the case, today refused to release her picture mugshot of Blackwell, saying she had not been sentenced for long enough.

Blackwell had been a prison officer since February 2015, at HM YOI Aylesbury.

Louise Attrill, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The CPS put together a robust case using mobile phone data, cell site analysis and handwriting analysis to show Blackwell abused her position as a prison officer.

“She initially denied any wrongdoing but the evidence was strong and she ultimately pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office.

“Incidents like this by prison officers are extremely rare but they amount to an abuse of the public’s trust which has the potential to lead to corruption or blackmail. They are treated with the utmost seriousness.”

PC Nicola Ambrose, from Thames Valley’s prison investigation team in Aylesbury, said: “Blackwell completely abused her position as a prison officer, by choosing to communicate with a serving prisoner through letters, texts and calls knowing that he illegally had a mobile phone inside prison. Her actions were completely unacceptable and amounted to misconduct in a public office.

“I hope this sentencing shows that we will not tolerate any offences within our prisons, and will take swift action against those who undermine the good work of their colleagues and open themselves up to potential corruption.”